Fran Foo | June 30, 2008
THE prodigal son has returned. David Butler has rejoined the Australian Taxation Office as its technology head to replace Greg Farr who left last November for the Defence Department.
Mr Butler joins the ATO as second commissioner from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) where he was Tax Administration and Consumption Taxes division head, based in Paris.
Prior to the OECD, Mr Butler was chief executive and Commissioner of Inland Revenue, New Zealand for five years. He held senior positions at the ATO since 1993.
Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen announced Mr Butler's appointment, saying: “I’m pleased to see that after a successful career abroad, Mr Butler is bringing his wealth of knowledge, skills and experience back to Australia."
Bill Gibson, ATO's chief information officer, held the fort while Mr Farr's replacement was being sought.
“I also take this opportunity to thank Mr Gibson for his excellent work since undertaking the role last year.
"He will continue to make great contributions to the Australian Taxation Office as chief information officer, with responsibility for significant information technology changes in the coming year, and as a member of the ATO Executive,” Mr Bowen said in a statement.
Mr Butler will be at the helm of a massive project worth more than $1 billion worth to outsource computer and communications services at the ATO.